Are hand sanitizers more effective than soap and water?
In recent years, the pocket antibacterial gel has become a staple. But can it replace the traditional hand washing?
Everyone needs a bottle. The miniature alcoholic gels (also called antibacterial and antiseptic gels or hand sanitizers) are our allies against epidemics and help to ‘wash’ hands anywhere and anytime. They are so easy to use that there is a tendency to substitute water and soap with them even when they are accessible. Is this the right or wrong decision?
THE DISADVANTAGES OF ANTIBACTERIAL GELS
Limit the use of antibacterial gels to situations where you have no choice. They dry up the skin, so frequent use is discouraged. Today however, manufacturers have found a way to slip softeners and moisturisers into some formulas to get less aggressive antibacterial skin products. However, repeated alcohol enforcement always ends up weakening our hands.
Another more serious problem, is a study published last year in the journal PLoS One showing that alcoholic gels multiply the penetration of bisphenol A by 100 in the body. This endocrine disruptor is known to promote obesity, thyroid problems, fertility disorders and certain cancers. Other research has also revealed that regular and prolonged use of certain substances contained in these disinfecting solutions may create hormonal imbalances or bacterial resistance. So, if these products are a weapon of choice to ward off germs when you cannot wash your hands, it is better to use it sparingly.
Maureen Diament and Nur Syazana H.
